Papillomas on the human body are foci of pathological proliferation of cells of the epidermis and mucous membranes.
In most cases, papillomas are benign.However, such neoplasms can not only cause aesthetic problems, but also act as a harbinger of dangerous conditions in the body, such as cancer.
“How to get rid of papillomas?”- a pressing issue that worries many.Let's try to figure out why papillomas appear on the body and what dangers to human health can arise from growths on the skin that seem harmless at first glance.
Why do papillomas appear?
The reasons for the appearance of papillomas on the body can be divided into main (main) and accompanying ones, which act as triggers for the formation of visual manifestations of the disease.The cause of skin papillomas, considered the main and without alternative, is the patient's infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which in medical practice is classified as a group of papillomaviruses.
Statistics demonstrate the highest level of HPV prevalence among the population of our planet, stating that 9 out of 10 people are carriers of one of the 100 strains of this virus known to official medicine.Furthermore, each of the isolated types of viral agent has different characteristics, localization zones and probability of developing complications and unpleasant consequences.
Despite its prevalence, the papillomavirus has relatively low resistance to aggressive environmental factors, which dictates the predominance of the contact route of its transmission from the carrier to a healthy person.The risk of infection is especially high during prolonged contact with the bare skin of a person suffering from the disease, which is seen, for example, during a massage.In medical practice, there are also cases of household spread of a viral agent that enters the patient's body through common objects, however, this reason for the appearance of papillomas is significantly inferior to the contact mechanism of virus spread.
When HPV reaches the skin, it mainly affects the basal layer of the epidermis, remaining in a latent state for a long time, which is characterized by the asymptomatic course of the disease.This condition usually accompanies an incubation period, which lasts from 1 to 6 months, but can persist for years.
The following factors act as provoking agents for the appearance of papillomas on the skin:
temporary decrease in immunity or development of an immunodeficiency state (HIV, AIDS);the presence of microtraumas, cracks, scratches, open wounds on the surface of the patient's skin;hormonal imbalance, which may be associated with pregnancy, lactation, menopause, etc.;promiscuous sexual intercourse, oral sex with a papilloma virus carrier;nervous-emotional tension, stress, physical or mental fatigue;bad habits, poor nutrition;endometriosis.
Symptoms of papillomas
The penetration of the papilloma virus into human blood is not accompanied by a pronounced symptom complex, which makes diagnosing the disease difficult.The patient does not even suspect that he is not only a carrier of a viral agent, but can also infect other people.The main symptom of the infection is the direct formation of a skin tumor on the body, which can be located in almost any part of the human body.
Numerous photos on the Internet clearly demonstrate what papilloma looks like on the body.Typically, a skin growth is represented by an oval or dome-shaped impaction, or a papule, which attaches to the tissue via a thin stalk or thickened base.The color characteristics of papilloma on the skin can vary widely, from light pink to dirty brown.
Some strains of HPV are characterized by multiple manifestations, which may be accompanied by the fusion of individual neoplasms.As a result, an epidermal structure is formed that looks like a lobed cauliflower.
Common types of papillomas
As mentioned above, medicine knows more than 100 types of viruses, which indicates the diversity of manifestations of the disease.However, around 10 types of HPV are considered the most common:
- Vulgar papillomas.These are oval seals that may have a yellowish keratinized surface.Vulgar papillomas on the hands of adult patients are the most common localization option, while children are more often characterized by a location of growths on the knee;
- Plantar papillomas.The causative agents of papilloma on the leg are HPV types 1, 2 and 4, which are manifested by the formation of single or multiple protuberances on the sole of the foot which, as they grow, make walking difficult.Furthermore, such structures are often confused with calluses, which makes it difficult to identify and timely treat papillomas;
- Flat papillomas.They are caused by HPV types 3 and 10 and appear as multiple flat nodules, of constant color, with a smooth surface;
- Filiform papillomas.They are more typical in the older age group of patients over the age of 50.Yellowish bumps or lumps are located on the eyelids, groin, armpits and neck.If a filamentous neoplasm is subjected to trauma or constant friction with clothing, treatment of the inflamed papilloma should be carried out as quickly as possible;
- Lewandowski-Lutz papillomas.This type of skin manifestation is usually called epidermodysplasia verruciformis, which manifests as multiple macular warts located on the arms and legs, having different color characteristics;
- Genital warts.The most dangerous type of symptomatic manifestation of human papillomavirus.The growths are pinkish or gray spiky growths located on the external and internal genitals, as well as the pubic area and tongue;
- Juvenile papillomas.Caused by HPV types 6 and 11.They affect the larynx region, complicating the respiratory process and making it difficult for the patient to speak normally.Infection usually occurs during childbirth, when the virus is transmitted from the mother's vagina to the child;
- Local epithelial hyperplasia.This manifestation is a consequence of infection with HPV types 13 and 32, which is expressed by the formation of multiple papillary eruptions, with a tendency to fusion, on the tongue and red border of the lips.
What is papilloma and how dangerous it is, we will try to find out below.
Are papillomas on the body dangerous?
In fact, papillomas cannot be considered completely harmless neoplasms, since, in the absence of timely treatment, they can spread to healthy tissues, which is called autoinoculation, and cause multiple warts.However, this is also not the main factor why papillomas on the body are dangerous.Hidden here is also the answer to the pressing question of many patients about how a mole differs from a papilloma.The mole, as it is a simple accumulation of pigment, does not pose a danger to human health.
The main risks associated with the presence of papillomas in the body include the possibility of melanization of the neoplasm, which consists of malignant degeneration of the tumor.As a result, the patient may experience an oncological process or be diagnosed with a precancerous condition.The probability of such a result depends on the type of HPV and the area of location of the papillomas.For example, genital warts located on the surface of the cervix in 50% of cases cause cancer in that organ.
Another danger is the high risk of mechanical damage to the papilloma, which can cause severe bleeding, wound infection and the formation of scars or scars on the skin.Based on this, to the question of whether it is necessary to remove papillomas from the body, the answer should only be positive.
How to remove papillomas from the body?
Removal of papillomas should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist, after carrying out all necessary diagnostic procedures, which usually include PCR diagnostics, microscopic examination of epithelial scrapings and, if necessary, histological examination of papilloma tissue.In this case, there are several options for how to get rid of papillomas on the body:
- Cryodestruction– removal of papillomas with liquid nitrogen;
- Electrocoagulation– destruction of a neoplasm under the influence of an electrical impulse;
- Surgical excision– the most radical and traumatic method of removing papillomas;
- Laser removal of papillomas– destruction of growth by a targeted laser beam.
The last option is the most atraumatic, safe and painless way to remove papillomas from the body.Removal of papillomas with a laser has gained great popularity due to the absence of marks, scars and post-procedure scars, and also due to the fact that laser destruction does not require preparation and rehabilitation.
Laser papilloma removal can be done in just a few minutes.Another advantage of the manipulation is the ability of the laser beam to activate the regenerative capacity of the epidermis, which guarantees rapid healing of the treatment site, which generally takes no more than two weeks.
Despite the need for mechanical removal of skin defects, when answering the question of how to cure papilloma once and for all, one cannot fail to mention the need to organize antiviral therapy and comprehensively strengthen the patient's immunity.
Which doctor should I contact for papillomas and where can I remove papillomas from the body?
When you are concerned about the question of which doctor treats papillomas, you should first contact specialists who will conduct an initial examination and make a diagnosis.Specialists of modern clinics have extensive experience in removing papillomas with lasers using the latest medical equipment.By contacting a professional medical center, the patient will receive detailed advice, including how much it costs to remove a papilloma.